Project Spark for Xbox One to be released in retail stores October 7 for $39.99

Project Spark, the game creation toolset from Microsoft, will be released in disc form for the Xbox One console and ship to retail stores in the U.S. on October 7 for the price of $39.99. The retail version will be sold under the title Project Spark Starter Pack.

While Project Spark is currently available to download for free for the Xbox One and Windows 8.1 in a beta version, Microsoft says the retail release will include some of the tool's premium (i.e. paid) content such as "the first sci-fi pack 'Galaxies: First Contact,' the warrior champion Sir Haakon 'Hawk' the Knight, 'Champions Quest: Void Storm,' the first episode of an epic campaign adventure, and more." All of the paid content will also be made available for the free digital versions of Project Spark.

The release of the retail version in October will also mean the "beta" tag will be removed from Project Spark at the same time. Microsoft states:

Don't fret, creators – if you've been playing, creating, unlocking and enjoying the existing beta on Windows 8.1 or Xbox One, the game will simply receive an update, so your credits, creations and favorite levels will remain intact.

The Xbox One retail edition will also ship October 9 in Asia-Pacific countries and October 10 in Europe. What do you think about Microsoft offering a retail version of Project Spark for the Xbox One?

Mario Kart 8 is fun but, it couldn't even win Game of the Month when it was released. Granted, it was a stacked month with Watch Dogs, Wolfenstein, and the actual--and very well deserved--winner: Super Time Force (Xbox One, baby!). Also, it's Mario Kart 8. Eight. No offense, but let's reward innovation (hence, Super Time Force winning GotM over it), not sequels 7 times over. Project Spark is the most innovative 'game' I've ever played, and if Team Dakota can pull off everything they say they are going to pull off in time for the 10/7 release, then Project Spark absolutely deserves a 10/10 and Game of the Year.

Maybe. Team Dakota has said it's something they want to do, but they are currently focused on the Xbox One and Windows 8.1 versions. They haven't announced a release date for the Xbox 360 at this time, but they haven't cancelled it either.